Chapter
The Vioxx Scandal: A Case of Pharmaceutical Malpractice
40:52 - 52:38 (11:46)
The Vioxx drug recall in 2004 was a result of a study sponsored by Merck which showed that the drug doubled the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots. The company, however, had manipulated the study and abbreviated its endpoint to just heart attacks to downplay the risk while its data safety model board member was given a consulting contract with Merck within two weeks of the decision to stop counting heart attacks.
Clips
The author suggests that regulation and evaluation of drug advertisements are necessary to ensure truthfulness, accuracy, and unbiased messaging about the drug's effects and cost.
40:52 - 45:08 (04:15)
Summary
The author suggests that regulation and evaluation of drug advertisements are necessary to ensure truthfulness, accuracy, and unbiased messaging about the drug's effects and cost.
ChapterThe Vioxx Scandal: A Case of Pharmaceutical Malpractice
Episode#263 – John Abramson: Big Pharma
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Merck sponsored studies that showed Vioxx doubled the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots but omitted three heart attacks from their published study in the New England Journal.
45:08 - 52:38 (07:30)
Summary
Merck sponsored studies that showed Vioxx doubled the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots but omitted three heart attacks from their published study in the New England Journal. A person in charge of the drug's safety modelboard was given a contract to consult for Merck after they decided to stop counting cardiovascular events a month before the trial ended.